Novation rolls out Launchpad S

Brighter LEDs and iPad compatibility are among the upgrades to the popular grid controller shipping later this month.

Novation will release Launchpad S, an update to its popular grid controller, later this month.

Launchpad has long been a favorite amongst Ableton Live users, with a grid of 64 light-up buttons that can trigger clips, play drums, solo tracks or do just about anything else that's assignable in a DAW. This latest version retains the simplicity of the original, but it also packs a few key upgrades. Its grid remains intact, but the tri-color pads are now brighter. A swifter refresh rate also means they'll be more responsive. Launchpad S has been optimized for use with other DAWs (Novation points out FL Studio specifically). And importantly, the controller now works with iPads. Beyond an Apple Camera Connection Kit, you won't need any special drivers or power source to use it with iOS music apps. A special Launchpad Edition of Ableton Live, a Launchpad iPad app (featuring a gigabyte of Loopmasters samples) and overlays for non-Ableton DAWs are all included. The video below shows Launchpad S in action.